A youthful France faces veteran-laden Croatia for World Cup
MOSCOW — France is the established power with a young team full of speed and skill. Croatia has the veterans that have shown they can never be counted out.
The two sides will meet on Sunday in the World Cup final, with France going for its second title in its third final in 20 years. Croatia, a country that only gained independence in 1991, will be playing in its first.
“Tradition is there to be demolished,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Saturday. “I’m not interested who is the opponent.”
Most consider France to be the favourite for the match at the Luzhniki Stadium, just like two years ago when the country’s national team faced Portugal in the European Championship final at home.